Fla. consumer advocate appealing FPL rate increase

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- The state's consumer advocate is appealing a base rate increase for Florida Power & Light Co. that could add nearly $10 to average monthly bills over the next four years.

Public Counsel J.R. Kelly filed a notice on Thursday that he will appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

Kelly is challenging the Public Service Commission's approval of a settlement between the utility and groups representing commercial and federal government customers.

A key issue is whether Kelly's office, which represents all consumers, must be a party to any such agreement. It was the first time the commission has approved a settlement without the public counsel's participation.

Kelly contends it's a bad deal for most of FPL's 4.6 million customers. FPL, a unit of NextEra Energy Inc., says they'll all benefit from the company's improved financial outlook.